Nozzle assembly with a reusable break-off cap a container having a nozzle assembly and packaging therefor

ABSTRACT

The invention is a nozzle assembly ( 3, 20 ) with a re-useable break off cap ( 20 ) for dispensing a product from a container ( 1 ). On a dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ) a break-off cap ( 20 ) is integrally formed thereon and closes off the dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ). The break-off cap ( 20 ) is removable by breaking a frangible connection ( 22 ) between the nozzle ( 3 ) and the break-off cap ( 20 ). Removing the break-off cap opens the dispensing end ( 5 ) of the nozzle ( 3 ) thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the nozzle ( 3 ). The break-off cap ( 20 ) removed from the nozzle ( 3 ) can then be re-engaged with the nozzle ( 3 ) to close off the dispensing end ( 5 ) thereby preventing further product from being dispensed. The cap can be attached to or removed from the nozzle ( 3 ) as often as a user requires. The invention also includes packaging which includes a tray ( 111 ) or pouch into which the nozzle assembly ( 3, 20 ) and container ( 1 ) can be inserted. A flexible resealable peel-off cover ( 110 ) is provided on each tray ( 111 ) to allow a user to resealably open and close the tray ( 111 ). The resealable tray ( 111 ) can be provided either singly or as a series of trays.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of packs/packaging,and in particular dispensing packs/packaging. In particular the presentinvention relates to a dispensing nozzle assembly with a re-useablebreak-off (or break-away) cap. The nozzle assembly may be attachable toa container or integrally formed therewith. The nozzle may thus beclosed with the cap after the cap has been broken off. The nozzle may beattachable to or integrally formed with a container and the containerscontents are thus protectable by the re-useable cap.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is desired to provide inexpensive re-useable dispensing packs whichoffer the user the opportunity to partially dispense the contents of acontainer and store the remainder for later use. The user can dispenseas much of the contents as required and then re-close (or reseal) thepack to store the contents for a future use. Re-sealing the pack isimportant particularly for materials which are sensitive to theirenvironment for example products which are air, moisture, lightsensitive etc.

Many re-closeable packs are known. In general these may be complex tomanufacture and require removable caps etc. which allow the container tobe re-sealed after a use. On the other hand it is known to providesingle use or “one shot” disposable pack which once opened cannot besubsequently closed. This form of pack is usually a tear- or break-openpack. The advantage of a one shot pack is its relatively inexpensivemanufacture as compared to re-closeable or re-sealable packs. Thedisadvantage of such containers is of course that the contents areintended to be used all at once. If not all the product is used at onetime, there is a difficulty in storing the pack as it is not closed andthe contents may spill. The life of the remaining product may also becompromised particularly as stated above where the product is sensitiveto environmental factors.

It is also possible to provide low cost tubes, for instance a tubeconstructed of aluminium or other such metal or plastics materials. Suchtubes are often provided with screw-on, snap-on, or otherwise engageablenozzles. The nozzle is usually provided to help accurate dispensing ofthe contents of the tube. These nozzles are often provided with separatescrew-on caps to close the dispensing nozzle to protect the product. Thenozzle and the cap are separately provided and the cap is screwed ontothe nozzle. In order to use the dispensing nozzle it is firstly screwedonto the tube. A dispenser with dispensing means for dispensing thecontents of the tubes is known for example from WO 00/00405. The deviceis provided with a nozzle which screws onto the tube and a cap whichscrews onto the nozzle. The device of WO 00/00405 may be used with anozzle assembly or container of the present invention. Alternatively acontainer with an integrally formed nozzle may be provided. Containerswith integrally formed dispensing nozzles are also often deformable(squeezable).

There exists a requirement for a low cost multi-use pack.

A further problem in providing a reusable container or nozzle assemblywith a break-off cap is difficulty in re-closing the container/nozzle toprovide a reliable seal to protect the contents of the container. It isdifficult to provide low cost containers/nozzles which close after useto provide a reliable seal. Creating a reliable seal necessitatesaccurate mating of the surfaces forming the seal. This in turn requirescareful manufacture with precise engineering of the product which may bereflected in increased cost in production. Generally components whichmate to provide a seal are manufactured separately and with greatprecision so that the subsequent making of the components provides thedesired seal.

Difficulty of re-closure is especially acute with break-off caps.Break-off caps are frangibly connected to the container which theyclose. Breaking the frangible connection between the break-off part(usually the cap) and the container may leave remnants of the frangibleconnection on the break-off part or on the container. These remnants mayinterfere with subsequent re-fitting of the break-off part to thecontainer thus making proper re-closure of the container difficult, withpossible ensuing detriment to the useable life of the product within thecontainer. As stated above there are certain types of products whichparticularly need protection from the general environment. Of particularconcern in the present case are curable products, in particularadhesives.

EP 0 326 529 describes a strip of phials. The document is concerned withthe problem of handling of relatively small phials, and proposes a stripor web of phials which are more easily handled mechanically. Each phialis a small squeezable container with an integrally moulded nozzle andcap on the container. The cap is a break-off cap and the containers areintended to be single use “one shot” containers.

Loctite (Ireland) Limited sells a product called Indermil™ which is asurgical adhesive. The product is presented for sale in individualphials similar in construction to the phials disclosed in EP 0 326 529discussed above. The phial has a hollow container body for receiving andholding product placed in the container. The hollow container body hasan outlet nozzle, through which the product is dispensable. The outletnozzle has a first intake end which projects from the container body andis integrally formed therewith. The nozzle has a second dispensing endwith a dispensing opening formed in the dispensing end and a mouthformed on the nozzle about the dispensing opening. The nozzle of thedevice has a nozzle body with a conduit defined therein and bounded byan internal surface of the nozzle body, the conduit in communicationwith the container body and the dispensing opening. The phial has abreak-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the dispensing end ofthe outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a first position wherein thecap body is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle to close the outletopening of the outlet nozzle and is connected thereto by at least onefrangible connection, and a second position wherein the frangibleconnection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus opening theoutlet opening thereby allowing product to be dispensed from thecontainer. The cap once removed may be inverted and repositioned on thecontainer by push-fit (frictional) engagement of the cap and the nozzle.It is desired to provide an alternative nozzle assembly for use with acontainer which can be used to store materials. In order to improve theuseful life of products stored in containers it may be desirable toprovide an outer (protective) packaging which may help improve storagestability, particularly one that is convenient for point of saledisplay.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a low cost multi-usepack. In particular it is desired to provide a pack which is suitablefor storage of environment sensitive products such as adhesive and othercurable products. It is also an object of the invention to provide anouter packaging for such containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a nozzle assemblycomprising:

-   -   a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product, having a first        intake end for taking up product from a container and a second        dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in the        dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the        dispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a        conduit defined therein and bounded by an internal surface of        the nozzle body, the conduit for communication between the        intake end of the nozzle and the dispensing opening; and    -   b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the        dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a        first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with        the outlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet        nozzle and is connected thereto by at least one frangible        connection, and a second position wherein the frangible        connection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus        opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing product to be        dispensed through the outlet nozzle;    -   the nozzle assembly having an internal annular crotch, which        narrows in a radially outward direction, formed between the        nozzle and the cap body about the dispensing opening, the crotch        providing a weakened junction between the cap and the nozzle        allowing the cap to be broken off from the nozzle thus breaking        the frangible connection.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a nozzle assemblycomprising:

-   -   a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing product having a first intake        end for taking up product from the container and a second        dispensing end with a dispensing opening formed in the        dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about the        dispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a        conduit formed therein defined by an internal surface of the        nozzle body, the conduit for communication between the intake        end and the dispensing opening; and    -   b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing the        dispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a        first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with        the outlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet        nozzle and is connected thereto by at least one frangible        connection, and a second position wherein the frangible        connection is broken allowing removal of the cap and thus        opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing product to be        dispensed through the outlet nozzle;    -   the cap body and the outlet nozzle having interengaging        formations for subsequently securing the break-off cap to the        nozzle body to close the outlet opening.

In a third aspect of the present invention the first and second aspectsof the invention may be combined in a single nozzle assembly. Thiscombined nozzle assembly is particularly useful to provide re-useablecontainers. The nozzle assembly combining the features of the first andsecond aspects allows for ease of removal of the cap from the nozzle andalso subsequent re-fitting of the cap to the nozzle.

It is particularly desirable that the nozzle (and thus the nozzleassembly) forms an integral part of the container, though as explainedabove the nozzle assembly may be adapted to engage on an existingcontainer, for example by snap-fitting or screw-threading.

The (internal) annular crotch allows for ease of removal of the cap asthe apex of the crotch runs toward (and preferably meets) the frangibleconnection so that resistance to breaking off is not so great as itmight otherwise be. The annular crotch may thus be considered inside, orinterior to the frangible connection. There is less of a tendency forthe remnants of the frangible connection to remain on the nozzle, thusfacilitating ease of subsequent re-closure of the nozzle. There is thusprovided a weakened junction (or a circumferential line of weakness)between the cap and the nozzle.

The crotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side by asurface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. Thesurfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially inward direction. Inthe radially outward direction the surfaces of the crotch may convergetoward the frangible connection to (a point of convergence to) form theapex of the v-shape. At the apex the nozzle and the cap are frangiblyconnected.

The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the crotch may run fromthe internal surface of the nozzle, or from a position proximate to theinternal surface of the nozzle to the mouth of the nozzle. The annularcrotch is thus internal to the nozzle/cap arrangement.

In one particularly simple though desired construction one side of theinternal annular crotch is provided, at least in part, by a rampedsurface running from the internal surface of the nozzle defining theconduit to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface is desirablyannular. In one arrangement the annular ramped surface is of a generallyfrusto-conical shape (narrowing in diameter downwardly) for examplegradually decreasing in diameter from the mouth of the nozzle to thesurface defining the conduit. This embodiment allows for ease ofre-closing the container with a reliable seal as will be describedbelow.

To further ensure ease of removal of the cap from the nozzle the nozzleassembly is desirably provided with an external annular crotch, whichnarrows in a radially inward direction, formed between the nozzle andthe cap body about the dispensing opening, the external crotch providinga weakened junction (exterior to the frangible connection).

As with the (internal) annular crotch described above, the externalcrotch may be generally v-shaped being defined on one side by a surfaceof the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. Thesurfaces defining the cap may diverge in a radially outward direction.In the radially inward direction the surfaces of the crotch may convergetoward the frangible connection to form the apex of the v-shape. At theapex the nozzle and the cap are frangibly connected.

The surface on the nozzle defining one side of the external crotch mayrun from an external (side) surface of the nozzle, to a position on thenozzle proximate or at the mouth of the nozzle.

Typically the frangible connection is formed by plastics material duringmoulding of the container of the invention from plastics material.

The provision of the internal annular crotch allows for particular cleanbreak-off of the cap. Clean surfaces (surfaces without remnants of thefrangible connection) are left about the nozzle mouth so that subsequentre-closure of the nozzle (and thus the container) is facilitated. Goodmating of the cap and nozzle surfaces help to protect product within thecontainer from environmental influences.

A container according to the second aspect (or third aspect) of thepresent invention is thus provided with a re-closeable cap which iseasily re-fitted to the nozzle (container) to provide a reliable seal.The container and the nozzle assembly can be moulded as a single piecefor example from plastics material, thus making an integrally formedcontainer which is relatively low cost to produce.

A container having a nozzle assembly according to any aspect of thepresent invention is desirably a hand-held phial. The phial may beconstructed of deformable plastics so that it may be squeezable (bymanual pressure and in particular finger pressure) to express product.Optionally the phial may be constructed of clear or translucentplastics. The plastics material can be sufficiently translucent to allowthe level of product within the container to be determined by externalviewing (through the sides of the container).

The interengaging formations may for example be screw-threads.Alternatively the interengaging formations may be snap-fit formations.In one desirable arrangement the interengaging formations are snap-fitformations that are disengageable from the interengaged position byrelative rotation of the cap and the nozzle. Where the nozzle is on, oris integrally formed with a container, this will also occur where thecap and the container are rotated relative to each other. It isdesirable that the interengaging formations snap-fit to hold the cap tothe nozzle and/or container, and yet, allow twisting off of, the cap,from the nozzle and/or container. This arrangement allows for particularease of the replacement and removal of the cap, on or from the nozzle(container).

The break-off cap is desirably held in an inverted position on theoutlet nozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outersurface of the cap closes the dispensing opening on the nozzle (whichmay in turn be connected to an outlet opening on the tube). This is anespecially simple construction. Suitably the outer surface of the capclosing the dispensing opening is an internal wall of a recess orhousing formed on the cap the housing mating with the mouth of thenozzle. This arrangement ensures unwanted plastics material producedduring moulding does not inadvertently interfere with the dispensingopening.

The break-off cap is desirably reversible so that when broken off, thecap may be inverted for replacement on to the nozzle (container). Inthis embodiment it is desirable that the cap body comprises a housingfor receiving the outlet nozzle, the formations for interengaging withthe reciprocal interengaging formations on the nozzle or on thecontainer being formed on the housing desirably internally. In thisembodiment an inner surface of the cap (a surface within the housing)closes the outlet opening. This embodiment is particularly advantageousas if remnants of the frangible connection remain on the cap, after thecap has been broken off, then the remnants will be on the exterior ofthe cap (in the closed position of the cap). The remnants cannot theninterfere with closure. This arrangement ensures also that a proper sealis formed between the cap and the nozzle so that when the fillingprocess is completed though the open base end of the container, and thebase of the container sealed, the entire container is sealed by anintegrally formed body. No concerns about proper securing of the cap onthe nozzle/container then arise.

The interengaging formations may be formed by one or more projectionsand one or more corresponding recesses or grooves with which theprojections engage. The projections and the grooves/recesses may belocated respectively on the nozzle and on the cap or vice versa. Thisarrangement may provide for snap-fit engagement of the cap on thenozzle/container.

Desirably the cap has a discharge opening engaging portion for closingthe dispensing opening. This may be a projecting portion on theunderside of the cap which at least partially projects into thedispensing opening of the nozzle. This is a desirable construction asthe projecting portion may help to provide a reliable seal between thecap and the nozzle. Where the internal annular crotch is provided, atleast in part with a ramped surface, the projecting portion is desirablyshaped to mate. When the ramped surface is of a generally (inverted)frusto-conical shape it is desired that the projecting portion is shapedto mate, for example of a conical or frusto-conical shape. Thisarrangement allows for ease of reclosure of the cap. In one highlydesired embodiment the projecting portion is conical in shape.

In one particularly advantageous construction the nozzle is oblong incross section and the cap is correspondingly shaped (for mating of thenozzle and the cap) so that relative rotation of the cap and thenozzle/container causes deformation of the cap and allows for itsremoval. The cap and nozzle can be said to be irregularly shaped i.e.their shapes do not allow for relative rotation without deformation ofat least the cap taking place. Where snap-coupling means are provideddeformation of the cap desirably disengages the snap-coupling meansallowing for removal of the cap. One way to achieve this function is toprovide a nozzle which is oblong in cross-section and which has a foursided configuration so that in cross-section it has two opposingsubstantially flat sides and two opposing curved ends. The cap may taper(narrow) towards its top end to correspond to the shape of the nozzle.When a cap is provided with reciprocal (for example an over-fitting)shape relative rotation of the nozzle and the cap will cause deformationof the cap and/or the nozzle/container. It is desired that for the mostpart it is the cap which deforms on relative rotation. In thisconstruction the snap-fit engagement means may be provided on the flatsides of the nozzle (and on the corresponding sides of the cap) so thatthe cap can be relatively easily removed from the container by relativerotation of the cap and the container.

Desirably the nozzle and the cap have co-operating guiding surfaceswhich guide the cap toward a desired orientation relative to the nozzle.In particular it is desired for aesthetic, handling, packaging and otherpurposes that the cap and the nozzle/container have a certain alignment.For instance where the cap and the container are flat in shape it may bedesired to align the cap with the container so that the cap remains inline with the container body. This can also ensure that the cap iscorrectly seated on the nozzle. In one desired construction the guidingsurfaces will align the cap on the nozzle if the cap and nozzle arewithin about 45° of the desired alignment. The guiding surface may be aseat and a corresponding seat-engaging portion. The seat may be a recesson the nozzle into which a projection (on the cap) fits. That part ofthe nozzle or the cap forming the seat may also provide one or morestops to prevent incorrect alignment of the cap and thenozzle/container. This arrangement is particularly desirable, whereotherwise, the cap and the nozzle could be forced together in anundesired orientation.

The invention provides in a fourth aspect a series of tear-off blistersfrangibly attached each to the next, each blister comprising a blistertray, and a flexible peel-off cover for the blister tray, the peel-offcover and the blister tray being attached by re-sealable means, forexample an adhesive, which allows reclosing of the blister. This is oneparticularly advantageous embodiment which is especially useful to helpprolong the life of products which may otherwise deteriorate. Thisapplies also to products which may be stored in a container of thepresent invention, and which may have their useable life extended bystorage of the container within an exterior protective pack such as ablister pack. It is desirable that a peel-open tab is provided on eachblister to facilitate peeling open of the pack. The tabs may be on thepeel-off corner or the tray.

In a fifth aspect the invention provides a series of tear-off pouchesformed by sealing two layers of flexible material to each other aboutdiscrete areas, the pouches frangibly attached each to the next, eachpouch being provided with a tear-open notch to facilitate tearing openof the material forming the pouch. The tear-off notch allows the pack toripped open more easily so a user can access the contents.

The invention in a sixth aspect also relates to a combination package,the combination package comprising a container of the present inventionas described above and an outer pack, the outer pack being a blister- orpouch-type pack. Suitably the blister- or pouch-type pack is in the formof a strip or array pack. This is one particularly convenient method ofpackaging a container according to the present invention.

The term “v-shaped” as used herein in relation to the present inventionincludes the convergence of two surfaces towards a point of coincidence,for example an apex, and includes surfaces which are curved and surfaceswhich do not converge at the same rate towards the point of coincidence.

The term “ramped” includes both planar and curved sloped surfaces. Italso includes those surfaces where the rate of incline changes.

The term “blister” as used herein refers to a pack arrangement with atleast two layers of material, one layer having (an array of) depressionsformed in it and within which a container of the invention can be atleast partially placed and a second layer for sealing to the first toclose the pack about the, or each, depression.

The term “pouch” as used herein includes a pack arrangement with a layerof material each side of the container, the layers being joined to eachother to create a pocket or pouch (similar to a sachet) within which thecontainer is held. The pouch is normally created by heat sealing (orwelding) the layers to each other about the container.

The term “strip” as used herein to refer to packaging includes a seriesof blisters wherein each container holding compartment (or “blister”) isfrangibly connected to each of the other compartments to which it isattached, or a series (lines) of pouches which are frangibly connectedone to the next. A strip is usually a single series of blisters orpouches. It will be appreciated that a series of blisters or pouches maybe provided as an array such as described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of (an unfilled) container (with an openbase) which incorporates features of the first and second aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an underneath plan view of the container of FIG. 1 (showingthe view through the open base);

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 along theline A—A indicated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 along theline B—B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial front elevational view of the container ofFIG. 1 showing the cap and nozzle of the container in larger dimensions;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the container ofFIG. 1 showing the cap and nozzle of the container in larger dimensions;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 1 (along the line A—A of FIG. 3) showing the cap and nozzle of thecontainer in larger dimensions;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the container ofFIG. 1 (along the line B—B of FIG. 3) showing the cap and nozzle of thecontainer in larger dimensions;

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the view of FIG. 9 enlarged to an evengreater extent;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a container provided with a nozzleassembly of the invention having been filled (with a sealed base end);

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12, the caphaving been broken off from the container body;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12, the caphaving been reversed and replaced (snap-fitted) on the container;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front sectional view of the nozzle and cap of thecontainer of FIG. 14 (with the cap broken off, reversed (inverted) andreplaced);

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 (withthe cap broken off, reversed (inverted) and replaced);

FIG. 17 shows a part-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of the presentinvention wherein the cap has been broken-off, reversed and incorrectlyaligned for replacement on the nozzle;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a container incorporating a nozzleassembly of the present invention having inter-engaging formations onthe cap and the nozzle in the form of screw-threads;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a nozzle assembly of the presentinvention for attachment to an existing container, which has beenattached to a container tube;

FIGS. 20(a)-(c) show a blister-pack arrangement of the presentinvention; (a) is an exploded perspective view; (b) is a perspectiveview of the closed configuration and (c) is a perspective view of asingle blister, with the flexible sealing layer partially peeled away;

FIG. 21 shows an underneath plan view of a series of blisters arrangedin a point of sale array;

FIG. 22 shows a plan view of the point of sale array of FIG. 21 from oneend thereof;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the point of sale array of FIG. 21 from oneside thereof;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the underneath side of the point ofsale array of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an underneath plan view of an alternative series of blistersarranged in a point of sale array, and having a different array ofblisters (as compared to the array of FIG. 21);

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the point of sale array of FIG.25;

FIG. 27 is an underneath plan view of another point of sale array againhaving a different array of blisters;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of the point of sale array of FIG.27;

FIGS. 29(a)-(c) show: (a) an exploded perspective view of a pouchpackaging (prior to assembly) according to the present invention; (b) anelevational view of a series of (four) pouches arranged in a tear-offstrip; (c) a plan view of a single pouch;

FIG. 30 shows a top plan view of a point of sale pouch array;

FIG. 31 shows a side elevational view of the array of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is diagrammatic representation of a point of sale array showinga container of the present invention in each compartment of the pack,the seal (closing) area about the container being shown with hatchedlines;

FIG. 33 shows a side part-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 32where the array is a pouch pack array;

FIG. 34 shows a side part-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 32where the array is a blister pack array;

FIGS. 35 shows a point of sale blister pack array according to thepresent invention with exemplary product information printed on one sideof the array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention will be described belowwith relation to the above Figures.

FIG. 1 shows a container 1 of the present invention, having a nozzleassembly (comprising a nozzle 3 and a cap 20) of the present inventionintegrally formed therewith. The container 1 has a hollow container body2 for receiving and holding product which is placed in the container. Anoutlet nozzle 3 forming part of the container projects from thecontainer body 2. A first (intake) end 4 (of the nozzle 3) is located onthe container body 2, and in the embodiment illustrated, is integrallyformed therewith. The outlet nozzle 3 has a second (free) dispensing end5 with a dispensing opening 6 formed in the dispensing end 5. A mouth orrim 7 is formed on the nozzle 3 about the dispensing opening 6. Theoutlet nozzle 3 has a nozzle body 8 with a conduit 9 defined therein.The conduit 9 is bounded by an internal surface 10 of the nozzle body 8.The conduit 9 is in communication with the interior 11 of the containerbody 2 and the dispensing opening 6. A break-off cap 20 is located onthe outlet nozzle 3. The break-off cap 20 has a cap body 21 for closingthe dispensing end of the outlet nozzle 3. The nozzle 3 and thebreak-off cap form a nozzle assembly. Alternatively the nozzle 3 and thebreak-off cap could be formed as a nozzle assembly for attachment to anexisting container, for example an aluminium tube container, as shown inFIG. 19. In FIG. 19 the nozzle assembly 201 is attached to a tube 202.The nozzle assembly is for the most part as described below in detailwith references to FIGS. 1 to 17 though in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to17 the nozzle assembly described is integrally formed with thecontainer. In the embodiment of FIG. 19 the nozzle assembly 201 has atits first intake end 203 of the outlet nozzle 204 a skirt portion 205which engages a neck of the tube 202. The mode of engagement of thenozzle assembly 201 on the tube 202 is by any suitable method forexample screw-threading or snap-fitting. In the embodiment of FIG. 19the nozzle assembly may be provided as an accessory or attachmentadapted for existing containers.

In FIGS. 1-12, 18 and 19, the break-off cap is shown in a first positionwhere the cap body 21 is integrally formed with the outlet nozzle 3 toclose the dispensing opening 6 of the outlet nozzle 3. A frangibleconnection 22 is formed between the nozzle 3 and the cap 20. Thefrangible connection 22 can be broken to allow removal of the cap (seeFIG. 13) and thus opening (uncovering) the dispensing opening 6 on thenozzle 3. It is then possible to dispense product from the container 1.The frangible connection 22 may be formed during integral moulding ofthe container 1. The container is desirably constructed of a plasticsmaterial so that all components may be formed by a single mouldingprocess.

As best seen from the enlarged views of FIGS. 9-11, (and particularlyfrom FIG. 11) an internal annular crotch 23 is formed between the nozzle3 and the cap body 21 about the dispensing opening 6. The crotch narrowsin a radially outward direction (radially outwardly from the conduit 9)providing a generally v-shaped groove or recess at the junction betweenthe cap 20 and the nozzle 3. The weakened junction (the annular crotch23) between the cap 20 and the nozzle 3 allows the cap 20 to be brokenoff from the nozzle 3 thus breaking the frangible connection 22. Theproduct can then be dispensed from the container.

As best seen from FIG. 11 the cap body 21 has a recess, groove orhousing 25 which is located to the exterior (of the cap body) of thecap. The housing 25 is formed in an external wall of the cap. Theprovision of housing 25 helps to ensure that no plastics material isinadvertently formed directly across the mouth 6 of the nozzle 3 duringmoulding of the container. It also allows for ease of break-off of thecap. Desirably the housing 25 has a mouth 26 which is shaped to matewith the mouth 7 (about the dispensing opening 6) of the nozzle 3.Mating is achieved by the frangible connection 22.

The cap body 21 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is open at its bottom end 12. Asbest seen from FIG. 4 the container body 2 depends from the nozzle 3 toform a skirt at its bottom end. The skirt is open forming a generallyelongate aperture 13 defined by the bottom end 12 of the container body2. The aperture 13 is the aperture through which the product may beplaced in the container. Once the container is filled to the desiredlevel with product, the container bottom may be crimped or (heat-)welded (or indeed closed by any suitable method) along line 14 (seeFIGS. 12-14) to seal the contents within the container.

To aid gripping of the container 1 by the hand a thumb or finger grip(such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) for example in the form of a largercrescent-shaped upstanding grip 14 and a smaller (nested) grip 15 may beprovided. The grips 14 and 15 may be provided on opposing sides of thecontainer as seen in FIG. 2.

The nozzle 3 is tapered gradually reducing in dimensions from thecontainer body 2 to the dispensing opening 6. There is also a steppedreduction of the width of the nozzle 3 from the wider portion 16 to thenarrower portion 17 which transition occurs at step or rim 18. The stepor rim 18 also provides a constriction of the conduit 9.

Two opposing sides of the reduced diameter portion 17 of the nozzle 3,namely opposing sides 30, 31 are flat (straight) while the two opposingends 32, 33 joining the flat sides 30, 31 are curved.

Each straight side 30, 31 has, formed thereon, a projection respectivelylabelled 34, 35. The projections 34, 35 taper from respective (upper)positions 36, 37 where they are flush with the reduced diameter portion17, downwardly and outwardly. The projection 34, 35 end in respectiverims or edges 38, 39.

The cap 20 has a shape which resembles a wing nut having a centralflat-sided oval shaped narrowing gradually toward its upper end portion24 forming part of the cap body 21, to which are attached wing shapedgrips, which are respectively labelled 27, 28 (see for example FIG. 7)on opposing sides of the flat-side oval portion 24. Optional reinforcingtabs or ribs 40 are provided to strengthen the junction between theflat-sided oval portion 24 and the wings 27, 28.

To reinforce the (inverted) attachment of the break-off cap 20 to thenozzle 3 two further frangible connections 41,42 are integrally formedone between each of respective lugs 43, 44 on the wings 27, 28 and theexterior of the nozzle 3.

The break-off cap 20 is held in an inverted position on the outletnozzle before it is broken off. In this arrangement an outer surface,namely the surface of the recess or groove 25 closes the dispensingopening on the container. The break-off cap is reversible so that whenbroken off, (see FIG. 13) the cap may be inverted for subsequentreplacement onto the container (see FIG. 14).

In this regard it is worth noting that the cap 20, and in particular thegenerally flat-sided oval portion 24 (see FIG. 7), forms a housing 29into which at least a portion of, and in particular the dispensing end 5of the nozzle 3 is insertable. As can be seen from the Figures thegenerally flat-sided oval portion 24 matches the profile of the reducedcircumference portion 17 of the nozzle 3 and snugly overfits it. Inparticular the generally flat-sided oval portion 24 comprises a housing50 defined by two opposing side walls 51, 52 in each of which are formedone of two windows or apertures respectively labelled 53, 54. Thewindows or apertures 53, 54 are designed to be snap-fit engagable withthe projections 34, 35. The windows 53, 54 are cut-out portions of theside walls 51, 52 and are generally of rhombehedral shape. When the cap20 is snap-fitted onto the nozzle 3, (as best seen from FIGS. 14 and 16)lower (transverse) wall portions 55, 56 engage underneath the rims 38,39 of the (inverted) cup-shaped projections 34, 35. As best seen forexample from FIGS. 3, 12 and 13 the shape of the housing 29 reflectsthat of the nozzle with the two flat sides 51, 52 which are joined bycurved ends 57, 58. The mouth 59 of the housing 50 is thus of an oblongshape, and may be considered as a straight or flat-sided oval shape.

A front sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 is shown in anenlarged partial view in FIG. 15. In FIGS. 11 and 15 it can be moreclearly seen that the nozzle 3 has at its dispensing end 5 and on twoopposites side of the mouth 6 two recess portions 60. The recessportions 60 form a seat for a seat engaging portion 65 on the cap. Theseat-engaging portion 65 on the underside of the cap has two parts, afirst part 66 (see FIG. 11) which is a first seat-engaging-portion whichco-operates with tabs 68 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) on the nozzle 3 and asecond seat-engaging-portion 67 which is dimensioned to engage the firstseat-engaging-portion 66. The relative positioning of theseat-engaging-portion 66 and the tabs 68 ensure the desired orientationof the cap and the nozzle (and thus the container) is achieved, as thecap and the nozzle will not mate if the seat-engaging-portion 66 and thetabs 68 abut. The seat-engaging-portion 66 and the tabs 68 abut if thecap is incorrectly orientated. The cap may be correctly guided onto thenozzle by interaction of the tabs 68 and the seat-engaging portions 66and 67, and is then seated on the nozzle. Incorrect alignment is shownin FIG. 17. In the incorrect alignment of FIG. 17 lower wall portions55,56 engage recess portions 60 so that recess portions act as stopspreventing the cap from being placed over the nozzle.

The cap 20 when in place on the nozzle is held thereto byinter-engagement of the projections 34, 35 in the windows or apertures53, 54 as shown in FIG. 14 where the cap 20 has been snap-fitted to thenozzle 3. In the closed configuration (see FIGS. 11, 15 and 16)projecting portion or projection 61 (which is generally conical in shapeand thus triangular in cross-section) protrudes into the conduit 9engages the mouth thereof and providing a reliable seal for thecontainer. It will be appreciated that due to the provision of thecrotch or annular recess 23 between the nozzle 3 and the cap 20, theshoulder portions 62 of the nozzle inside the mouth 6 abut exteriorwalls 63, 64 of the conical projection 61. The projection 61 mayalternatively be of any shape suitable to provide a seal for thedispensing opening 6. There is thus provided a reliable sealingarrangement so that even if remnants of frangible connection 22 were tobe left at the top of the nozzle, these will not interfere with theclosing action of the cap. In particular, and as best seen from theenlarged view of FIG. 11 the shoulder portion 62 can be considered to bea ramped surface running from the internal surface of the nozzledefining the conduit, to the mouth of the nozzle. The ramped surface 62is annular and is generally frusto-conical in shape (in particularnarrowing in diameter down the nozzle 3). The conical shaped projectingportion 61 and the ramped surface act as a plug and socket typearrangement, the projection portion 61 plugging the dispensing openingof the nozzle 3 by engaging the ramped surface 62.

Alternatively as is shown in FIG. 18 the inter-engaging formations maybe screw-threads such as the thread 70 of FIG. 18 with a correspondingthread within the housing 50. In this embodiment the cap 71 which issimilar in construction to cap 20 does not have the oblong shape of themouth of the cap 20. As the cap 71 and the nozzle 72 interengage bymeans of reciprocal screw-threads (which necessitates relativerotation), the nozzle and the housing 50 of the cap are generallyconical in shape. The cap 71 may be otherwise the same in constructionto cap 20.

As seen in the Figures and in particular the enlarged view of FIGS.7-11, there is also formed an external annular crotch 45. The crotch 45narrows in a radially inward direction (radially inward toward theconduit 9). The crotch 45 is formed on the exterior of the containerbetween the cap 20 and the nozzle 3 (in particular the mouth 7 of thenozzle 3). In particular the crotch 45 is formed by two (radially)inwardly converging surfaces—namely the outer surface 46 on the cap 20and the outer surface 47 on the nozzle 3. The surfaces 46 and 47converge to form an apex 48 of the crotch. There are thus provided twoopposing crotches which are located on either side of the frangibleconnection 22. This double crotch arrangement allows for ease of removalof the cap 20. The crotch 45 is v-shaped. The container of the inventionis suitable for use with many products including in particular liquidsand gels. The container will normally be designed to hold a relativelymodest volume for example from about 0.5 to about 5.0 grams, such asabout 1 gram or about 2 grams. The container may be crimped(heat-welded) at any part along its length (and above the fill-level inthe inverted position) and bottom end 12 may be of a desired shape tofacilitate ease of closure of the container. For light-sensitivematerials opaque materials may be used to construct the container.

FIG. 20 shows a blister pack array of the present invention in apre-form assembly. The blister pack 100 is shown in exploded view. Theblister pack comprises a semi-rigid material, such as aluminium in theform of a preform 101. The preform 101 is a sheet 102 of deformablematerial such as aluminium material into which have been pressed (orpunches) depressions or blisters 103. Each of the blisters 103 is shapedto receive and at least partially contain a container 104. Only onecontainer 104 is shown in FIG. 20, though it will be appreciated that acontainer 104 may be placed in each of the blisters 103. The container104 shown in FIG. 20 is diagrammatically drawn for the purposes ofillustration only. In practice a container according to the presentinvention (as described above) may be placed within the blister pack.

To complete the package a flexible sheet of material 105 such as a foil,for example an aluminium foil, may be used. The sheet 105 correspondsgenerally in shape to the preform 101. The sheet 105 is attached to thepreform. Normally, such attachment is achieved by heat and pressuresealing of the materials used. However in order to achieve re-sealing,resealing means for example a suitable adhesive which retains sufficientbonding capability to allow re-sealing of the pack could be used. Thissecures each container 104 within the pack, one in each blister 103. Theperson skilled in the art will appreciate how to assemble such a blisterpack for example by the materials described or by cold form methods.

As shown in FIG. 20(b) the sheet 102 has been sealed to the preform 101.The sheet 102 (and the preform 101 where necessary) have been cut to adesired shape with rounded edges 106 and a series of cut-out portions orcrotches 107. A crotch 107 is provided on either side of the frangibleconnection 108. The frangible connection 108 is machined into the pack(for example as a score line or as a series of perforations) and allowsfor breaking-off of a single “blister” 109 (as shown in FIG. 20(c)) thuscreating a tear-off strip form of blister packaging. A single container104 is contained within each blister 109. The blister pack shown in FIG.20(b) is a single strip of blister. It will be appreciated that multiplestrips or arrays are also possible and are described below.

The crotches 107 on either side of the frangible connection 108 allowfor ease of tear-off or break-off of successive blisters. It is intendedthat in a point of display array or strip each blister is easilydetachable from the next thus allowing the blisters to be soldindividually while being conveniently arranged for display.

As shown in FIG. 20(c) the blister is formed with a discrete blistercover 110 which may be peeled back from the blister tray 111. The sheet110 has a corner portion 112 (which is shown in dashed outline in theclosed position in FIG. 20(c)) which protrudes beyond the blister tray111. This allows the blister cover 110 to be peeled back from the rim113 of the blister tray 111. The corner portion 112 thus acts as apull-off tab, allowing the cover 110 to be easily pulled off manually.The blister cover 110 may be resealable to the blister tray 111. Thismay be achieved by using a suitable adhesive which does not loose itstackiness to hold the blister cover 110 to the blister tray 111.

A point of sale display blister pack array 120 is shown in FIG. 21. Inthe array 120 there are four rows and three columns in a 4×3arrangement. The blisters 121 are provided in a preform 122. Alsoprovided on the preform 122 is a planar tab 123 which has definedtherein an elongate aperture 124 which extends upwards in a furthergroove 125 to provide means for hanging the point of display array 120on a display hook (or hanger). The tab 123 may be integrally formed withthe blister pack, or may be attached separately. If not integrallyformed the tab can be constructed or other materials such as cardboardetc. To facilitate removal of individual blisters, a series of aperturesscores or cut-outs and the like may be created in the preform 122. Thecut-out consist of two different types of apertures respectivelylabelled 126 and 127.

The apertures 126 are generally triangular in shape, forming a cut-awayportion or crotch 128 between successive blisters 121 in the same row.Where blister 121 occurs at a position in the array where it must beseparable from a blister directly beneath it in the column, andsimultaneously any adjacent blisters in the same row, a star-shapedaperture 127 is provided. Each “leg” or apex of the star provides acrotch 128. Frangible connections may be provided (for examplesimultaneously with sealing the container closed) across and down thearray between the rows and the columns to form a grid or array ofblisters each of which are frangibly connected to the other. Thefrangible connection may be provided by partial cut away along a linejoining the apertures 126, 127 in the row direction or in the columndirection.

An end view of the array of FIG. 21 is shown in FIG. 22. A side-viewthereof is shown in FIG. 23. A perspective view is shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 shows an underneath (plan) view of a point of sale display array130 which is very similar to the array of 120 of FIG. 21. The array 130has six rows and two columns defining a 6×2 arrangement. In thisarrangement a generally triangular shaped aperture 131, and generalstar-shaped apertures 132 are provided again to allow for ease ofremoval of the blister 133. The break away facility may be provided byscores, slits and/or apertures of alternative shapes to those described.Again cut-away portions or crotches 134 are provided along one side ofthe array 130. On the other side 135 a series of cut-away portions arealso provided to allow for ease of removal. The cut-away portions 135have one generally straight upper side 136 and a lower corner side 137which converge inwardly toward a line along which a frangible connectionmay be provided. This arrangement also allows for ease of removal of theindividual blister. A side elevational view of the array 130 is shown inFIG. 26.

A similar array 140 is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, although in this casefive rows and two columns are provided in a 5×2 arrangement of blisters141. Again cut-away portions are provided for ease of removal ofindividual blisters 141. Certain materials useful in the construction ofthe blister pack include a laminate consisting of the following 3layers: 30 μm paper/12 μm polyester/20 μm polyvinyl chloride. Thepreform may be constructed of the following four layered laminate: 60 μmpolyvinylchloride/25 μm polyamide/60 μm aluminium/60 μm polyvinylchloride. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that manysorts of suitable materials can be used.

FIG. 29 shows various views of a pouch assembly 150 of the presentinvention. FIG. 29(a) is an exploded view of an arrangement for creatinga pouch strip 150 of the present invention. In particular the assemblycomprises two opposed sheets of flexible material namely an upper sheet151 and a lower sheet 152 between which is disposed a container 153.Like the container 104 of FIG. 20, the container 153 is shown fordiagrammatic purposes. It is desirable that the container 153 is acontainer according to the present invention. The upper and lower sheets151, 152 are each generally rectangular in shape and of the same size.The sheets 151, 152 may be made of an aluminium material, such as forexample a laminated aluminium foil.

To create individual pouches 154 the two sheets 151, 152 are broughttogether and joined to each other about the container 153. In thearrangement shown in FIG. 29(b) four containers 153 have been sealedwithin four pouches, one in each pouch 154. Each container 153 is thenin a individual sachet, the sachets being connected in a tear-off striparrangement.

In the blister pack arrangement of FIG. 20 while the sheets 151, 152 arebeing attached to other about the containers 153, they may also beprovided with frangible connections 155 and cut away portions 156 at thesame time. The sheets 151, 152 may be adhered to each other.Alternatively they may be welded or fixed together by any other suitablemethod.

The cut-away portions 156 allow for ease of removal of the individualpouches 155 from each other. In particular the cut-away portions 156comprise a crotch portion 157 which is generally v-shaped. The crotchportion 157 converges to the point of convergence 158 where the crotchportion terminates. There is then formed a further v-shaped recess 159which acts as a tear-open notch when it is desired to (tear) open thepouch to remove the container inside for use. This is achieved bymanually applying a shear or tear-open force at the tear-open notch. Thepouch tears allow across to the container inside. An individual pouch154 is shown torn away from the strip of pouches in FIG. 29(c). Thesealed (joining) area about the container can be seen as peripheral rim160.

A point of sale array 170 of pouch packs 154 are shown in FIGS. 30 and31. The arrangement shown has five columns and two rows in a 5×2arrangement. The array 170 has a tab 171 in which is defined an aperture172 which allows array of pouches to be hung on a hook in a mannerdescribed previously above.

In the array 170 each of the pouches 173 is (transversely) frangiblyconnected to part of the array above and below by transverse frangibleconnections 174. The pouches 173 may be separated from each other by alongitudinal frangible connection 175. Each pouch 173 may be turn orbroken away as it frangible from all other blisters to which it isconnected.

The ends 176, 177 are not directly supported by the container inside andthus flatten down to provide dished or flattened ends 176, 177 which aregenerally u-shaped, the shape of the container (the contents of thepouch) is taken up by both sheets 151, 152 as can be seen from the sideview of FIG. 31.

As described above for FIG. 29, cut-out portions 178, generally in theform of v-shaped crotches, are provided on one end of the array betweeneach of the pouches 173, and between the uppermost blister and the tab.On the opposing side of the array and along the frangible connection 174cut-out portions or crotches 179 are also provided to allow for ease ofthe attachment of blisters. Between the uppermost row of pouches and thetab 171 an aperture 180 is provided and is generally triangular in shapewith three apexes. The apertures 181 between subsequent rows aregenerally star-shaped with four apexes.

Each of the apertures 180, 181 extends along the frangible connection174 and terminates at a point of convergence 183. A tear-open notch 182is then provided for each of the pouches 173 on the other side of thepoint convergence 183. FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the pack ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a diagrammatic representation, in part-sectional view, of ablister pack or a strip pouch according to the present invention inwhich a container 190 is located in each of blisters or each of thepouches. The container 190 is a container according to the presentinvention having an internal annular crotch to allow break-off of thecap 191 as described above. The hatched area 192 indicates the areassealed between the two flexible sheets sealed together about thecontainer, where the array is a pouch array, or the area between thepreform and the flexible sheet sealed together where the array is ablister array.

The container 190 differs from the containers described previously in anumber of relatively minor respects. These include rims or wings 193provided on opposing sides of the container which allow for ease ofmanual handling. The cap 191 has internal threads 194 which engage withreciprocal threads 195 on the nozzle of the container. The cap 191 alsohas two opposing wings or grips 196 which allow for ease of handling ofthe cap 191. A side, part-sectional view of a pouch arrangement shown inFIG. 32 and shown in FIG. 33. The blister array is shown in side,part-sectional view in FIG. 34.

A point of display array 198 is shown in FIG. 35. The array has threecolumns and four rows (3×4). As can been seen printed matter 199 hasbeen applied to the flat side of the blister pack.

Methods of preparing the types of packaging described will be known tothose skilled in the art. In this respect aprticular mention is made ofa method of packaging often referred to as “flow wrapping”, “flowpack(ing)” or “tube wrap(ing)”. This is a type of packaging which sealsin articles. The seal produced on a horizontal or vertical“form-fill-seal” wrapping machine generally associated with wrappingirregular-shaped items (such as candy bars, bakery items, etc.). Ingeneral the “form-fill-seal” operation is carried out as follows: a reel(web) or reels of flexible packaging material is formed into acontainer, filled and sealed in one series of operations to produce apackage, containing a predetermined quantity of product.

Form-fill-seal operations (flow packing) can be carried out in threemain ways:

-   -   (a) a web of material may be formed into a tube which is filled        and sealed at intervals;    -   (b) a web of material may be folded along its length, sealed at        intervals to form a series of pouches (sachets) which are then        filled and closed; and    -   (c) a web of material may be thermo-formed to give a series of        tray like depressions which are filled, and then sealed by means        of a second web.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” whenused herein with reference to the present invention are used to specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but doesnot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

1. A dispensing pack comprising: (i) a container for holding curableproduct; (ii) curable product held within the container; and (iii) anozzle assembly, attached to or integrally formed with the container,the nozzle assembly comprising: a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing theproduct having a first intake end for taking up product from thecontainer and a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formedin the dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about thedispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a conduitformed therein defined by an internal surface of the nozzle body, theconduit for communication between the intake end and the dispensingopening; and b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing thedispensing end of the outlet nozzle the cap having a housing into whichthe dispensing end of the nozzle is insertable, the break-off cap havinga first position wherein the cap body is integrally formed with theoutlet nozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle andis connected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a secondposition wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal ofthe cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing productto be dispensed through the outlet nozzle; the cap body and the outletnozzle having interengaging formations for subsequently securing thebreak-off cap to the nozzle to close the outlet opening, wherein theinterengaging formations are snap-fit formations that are disengageablefrom the interengaged position by relative rotation of the cap and thecontainer, the nozzle and the cap being shaped so that relative rotationof the cap and the nozzle causes deformation of the cap.
 2. A dispensingpack according to claim 1 wherein the nozzle assembly has an internalannular crotch, which narrows in a radially outward direction, formedbetween the nozzle and the cap body about the dispensing opening, thecrotch providing a weakened junction between the cap and the nozzleallowing the cap to be broken off from the nozzle thus breaking thefrangible connection comprising: a) an outlet nozzle for dispensing theproduct having a first intake end for taking up product from thecontainer and a second dispensing end with a dispensing opening formedin the dispensing end and a mouth formed on the nozzle about thedispensing opening, the nozzle comprising a nozzle body with a conduitformed therein defined by an internal surface of the nozzle body, theconduit for communication between the intake end and the dispensingopening; and b) a break-off cap comprising a cap body for closing thedispensing end of the outlet nozzle, the break-off cap having a firstposition wherein the cap body is integrally formed with the outletnozzle to close the dispensing opening of the outlet nozzle and isconnected thereto by at least one frangible connection, and a secondposition wherein the frangible connection is broken allowing removal ofthe cap and thus opening the dispensing opening thereby allowing productto be dispensed through the outlet nozzle; wherein the nozzle and thecap are shaped so that relative rotation of the cap and the nozzlecauses deformation of the cap and allows for its removal” has beendeleted.
 3. A dispensing pack according to claim 2 wherein the internalcrotch is generally v-shaped, being defined on one side by a surface ofthe cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle.
 4. Adispensing pack according to claim 3 wherein in a radially outwarddirection the surfaces of the crotch converge toward the frangibleconnection.
 5. A dispensing pack according to claim 3 wherein thesurface on the nozzle defining one side of the crotch runs from theinternal surface of the nozzle, or from a position proximate to theinternal surface of the nozzle to the mouth of the nozzle.
 6. Adispensing pack according to claim 2 wherein one side of the internalannular crotch is provided, at least in part, by a ramped surfacerunning from the internal surface of the nozzle defining the conduit tothe mouth of the nozzle.
 7. A dispensing pack according to claim 6wherein the ramped surface is annular.
 8. A dispensing pack according toclaim 7 wherein the annular ramped surface is of a generallyfrusto-conical shape.
 9. A dispensing pack according to claim 1 whereinthe outlet nozzle forms an integral part of a container.
 10. Adispensing pack according to claim 1, wherein the container is providedwith an external annular crotch, which narrows in a radially inwarddirection, formed between the nozzle and the cap body and about thedispensing opening.
 11. A dispensing pack according to claim 10 whereinthe external crotch is generally v-shaped being defined on one side by asurface of the cap body and on the other by a surface of the nozzle. 12.A dispensing pack according to claim 11 wherein the radially inwarddirection the surfaces of the crotch converge toward the frangibleconnection to form the apex of the v-shape.
 13. A dispensing packaccording to claim 12 wherein the surface on the nozzle defining oneside of the external crotch runs from an external surface of the nozzle,to a position on the nozzle proximate or at the mouth of the nozzle. 14.A dispensing pack according to claim 1 wherein the container and nozzleassembly are molded as a single piece.
 15. A dispensing pack accordingto claim 1 wherein the container and nozzle assembly takes the farm of ahand-held phiol.
 16. A dispensing pack according to claim 15 wherein thephial is constructed of deformable plastics so that it is squeezable.17. A dispensing pack according to claim 1 wherein the break-off cap isheld in an inverted position on the outlet nozzle before it is brokenoff.
 18. A dispensing pack according to claim 17 wherein an outersurface of the cap closes the dispensing opening on the container.
 19. Adispensing pack according to claim 18 wherein an outer surface of thecap closing the dispensing opening is an internal wall of a recess orhousing formed on the cap, the housing mating with the mouth of thenozzle.
 20. A dispensing pack according to claim 19 wherein thebreak-off cap is reversible so that when broken off, the cap may beinverted for replacement on to the nozzle.
 21. A dispensing packaccording to claim 20 wherein the formations on the cap forinterengaging with the reciprocal interengaging formations on thecontainer being formed on the housing.
 22. A dispensing pack accordingto claim 21 wherein the interengaging formations are formed by one ormore projections and one or more corresponding recesses or grooves withwhich the projections engage.
 23. A dispensing pack according to claim 1wherein the cap has a discharge opening engaging portion for closing thedispensing opening.
 24. A dispensing pack according to claim 23 whereinthe engaging portion is a projecting portion on the underside of the capwhich at least partially projects into the dispensing opening in theclosed configuration of the container.
 25. A dispensing pack accordingto claim 24 wherein the projecting portion is shaped to mate with theopening.
 26. A dispensing pack according to claim 1 wherein the nozzleand cap are both oblong.
 27. A dispensing pack according to claim 1wherein the nozzle and the cap have co-operating guiding surfaces whichguide the cap toward a desired orientation relative to the nozzle.
 28. Adispensing pack according to claim 27 wherein the co-operating guidingsurfaces are a seat and a seat engaging portion.
 29. A combination packcomprising a series of tear-off blisters frangibly attached each to thenext, each blister comprising a blister tray, and a flexible peel-offcover for the blister tray, the peel-off cover and the blister traybeing attached by resealing means which allows re-closing of the blisterand a dispensing pack according to claim 1 within each blister.
 30. Acombination pack according to claim 29 wherein a peel-open tab isprovided on each blister to facilitate peeling open of the pack.
 31. Acombination pack comprising a series of tear-off pouches formed byscaling two layers of flexible material to each other about discreteareas, the pouches frangibly attached each to the next, each pouch beingprovided with a tear-open notch to facilitate tearing open of thematerial forming the pouch and a dispensing pack according to claim 1within each pouch.